Diabetes

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• April 12, 2013 5:31 p.m.

  my husband and I rescued the unwanted, it's a shame that his type 1 got the best of him and then we needed to be rescued ourselves. At least you are being honest. Thank you for that. Even in the medical field, not everyone is meant to love and loose. good day.

  - donna

• December 4, 2012 4:31 p.m.

  A successful diet in many cats is one where they don't gain any MORE weight. There are diets available from your veterinarian specifically for diabetic cats. Other cats could eat them as well. (Purina DM, canned, is one of the best and most palatable). Don't worry so much about the two cats of normal weight. They will usually continue to self regualte. You can separate all of the cats' activities so that they have to at least walk around. Put the litter box, food, bed, water, etc. in different places all over the house, upstairs, downstairs, so the cat has to travel more. Otherwise, it is really hard to exercise an indoor cat.

  - Cassie Jones

• October 25, 2012 1:51 a.m.

  I gave up sugar for raw honey two years ago, and I feel young again, and I am in my 60 s. (grin) My whole family just got over the swine flu and the raw honey and cnonamin worked like a charm; 1-tablespoon raw honey and 1/2 teaspoon cnonamin in a cup of hot water, and the flu was gone in 4 days! LOLI wish everyone would take charge of their health the natural way as Big Pharma is destroying the health of people all over the world!

  - Jamiu

• September 17, 2012 9:03 p.m.

  To Jennifer in NY "Savannah is extremely overweight due to her sedentary lifestyle and I worry about her getting diabetes. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep one cat on a diet when there are two others in the residence? Also, how can I get them exercise besides the ole 'bird on a wire' game (that can become a bit boring for them)? I would greatly appreciate some feedback" I'm so sorry to hear about Shadow. As for Savannah, I use the little plastic balls that have a bell inside and one of those expandable tunnels for my cat. I make him run around and inside of the tunnel to catch the ball or just roll the ball across the floor. I also hide a toy mouse in different places around the house. I also tied one of the toys to a long string and attached it to a dowel about 2 1/2 ft. long, he loves to play with that also. He keeps his legs strong by jumping up to the cat perches my husband made for him as well. I think variety of play might be very helpful. If you change things every now and then, your cat will not get bored too easily. Cats like to look down on things and be able to see what is going on around them. You might want to put one of those cat stairs along a wall that leads to a landing then stairs to get back down. They do wonders for cats in many ways. If you have a hard time getting her interest, hide one treat in one spot then another treat some place else, this might spark curiosity, she will go looking for treats but find toys.

  - Sharon

• September 17, 2012 8:40 p.m.

  Nancy, Don't ever regret your decision. It was the best decision for you and for Carlie. I recently lost my dog of 15 years. My life evolved around Shadow. I made the choice not to get another dog unless I could afford to take care of it properly with shots, food, medication, etc. So for now, I visit with my neighbors dog. My neighbor is handi-cap and cannot get outside to walk her dog. It is good therapy for me and for Paris. Dogs need fresh air and to do doggy things. I'm content knowing that I still have a dog friend who I can see at any time and I'm sure Paris loves the extra attention. It would not be fair to another dog if I cannot take him/her to the vet when they are sick, when we are sick or in pain, we take ourself to the doctors, but we hopefully have insurance to help pay for the medical attention and medication. It is not so easy with animals because they cannot tell us what is wrong, we only find out that something is wrong when the problem has manifested into something bigger and more costly. So don't feel bad about not adopting a dog that you cannot or do not feel that you have the time nor the resources to properly care for them. Volunteer to take care of a dog or at your local shelter, they would love to have you. I hope this has helped you.

  - Sharon

• September 6, 2012 8:30 p.m.

  Our 12 year old cat Brandy seemed fit one day and suddenly very ill the next ,so bad with vomiting and dehydration from diabetes that the Vet himself advised euthanasia.It was a terrible shock and we were consoled only by not having to make the decision.

  - brenda

• September 4, 2012 1:06 p.m.

  Our 10 year old Bichon was dx'd w/diabetes a few months ago (she also has Cushing's). She recently had a couple of incidents of just losing control of her body....plopping down and then walking around disoriented. Does this mean sugar is low...I assume...or, high?

  - Carol

• September 4, 2012 10:02 a.m.

  I have a 7 year old yellow lab. I noticed the symptoms of diabetes following multi wasp stings. He quickly went from 100 lbs to 75 (in less than 3 weeks). He was officially diagnosed at the U of I and started on 10 units NPH bid. After close monitoring I eventally increaesed him to 30 units NPH bid. His weight was back to his normal health 100 lbs within 6 weeks. He deveolped cataracts in both eyes within 8 months. He had cataract surgery at U of I ($2800 total). His sight is back to normal. He is healthy and happy now. He eats 1 cup of old roy dog food am and pm + a few table scraps gets 30 units NPH (walmart Reli on is the cheapest) twice/day. He is completely without symptoms and happy. He has had 2 hypoglycemic reactions (in 2 yrs) following too much exercise with 30 units NPH in the am which were quickly resolved with 6 oreos. Will just decrease amt of insulin on high activity days. I have his frutosamine level checked about every 6 months and it has been within normal limits. I don't check his blood sugar - only adjust his insulin per his symptoms (I'm a nurse so well in tune of these). HAPPY DOG and well worth the time and money!!!!

  - Bets

• August 24, 2012 2:43 p.m.

  I have three cats, all of who were rescued from a more-than-likely early demise. I am so grateful I have been given the opportunity to parent Raven, Savannah and Pepper (the baby). They have brought me so much love, happiness, laughter and joy to my life. I don't know how my life would possibly be without them. Savannah, the 'middle child,' is my baby girl. She was full grown at the time of her adoption, and she was brought to my neighborhood Petsmart from 41st St in Manhattan. I can only imagine what a struggle her life must have been before she came into mine. I live in an apartment on a somewhat busy street, so my 'children' stay indoors. I made the mistake of letting Raven and then Shadow out and unfortunately Shadow was hit by a car. It broke my heart, to say the least. Savannah is extremely overweight due to her sedentary lifestyle and I worry about her getting diabetes. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep one cat on a diet when there are two others in the residence? Also, how can I get them exercise besides the ole 'bird on a wire' game (that can become a bit boring for them)? I would greatly appreciate some feedback.

  - Jennifer

• June 22, 2012 9:50 a.m.

  We rescued our darling LuLu 11 years ago; we almost lost her a year ago, as we thought she had pacreatitis and were treating for that. She has diabetes, we cook all of her food, no table scraps ever--two shots of insulin per day, a healthy snack at noon. Her eyesight has been compromised, but she has figured out how to navigate the house and garden. Yes, it is a lot of work, accompanied with worry, but we could never begin to give back the love she has given to us. She is our sweetest girl.

  - Susan

• April 24, 2012 6:26 p.m.

  Itoo have a diabetic dog, she was also a rescue and about 8. She was diaginosed 1 year after I got her and is no trouble. I grew up with a diabetic mother, brother then married a man that was a type two diabetic so a dog was no problem as long as she gets her treat after her shot. Cinder had a hard life before I got her and she is so happy now however not as happy as I am having her. I don't feel one should take on an animal or person if they have doubts about doing so.

  - Elizabeth

• April 12, 2012 5:18 p.m.

  I have a ten year old cat who was diagnosed with diabetes. He has the symptoms of excessive thirst with excessive urination,a better than usual appetite,but of course with increased weight loss.I am disabled and financially unable to start him on the insulin injections twice a day. I took him on at birth for the duration of his life. I love him SO-SO MUCH ! He brings me great happiness and joy. I despartely need this insulin at a discounted cost.Does anyone have any recommendations?

  - shelia

• April 11, 2012 8:28 p.m.

  My husband and I have two beautiful labs, "Molly" a 9 yr.old yellow female and "Bo" a 6 1/2 yr black male. Recently our black male has been diagnosed with diabetes. We have started him on Himulin N insulin and he is doing better but still working on getting the right dosage. He does have the start of cataracts and getting eye drops. Oh how I hate to think that he might not see from his beautiful brown eyes. Our beautiful "Bo" has given us so much love and happiness and we will spend whatever it takes to make sure he has a wonderful long life. God Bless all of you and your beautiful pets.

  - Sonja

• March 22, 2012 5:57 p.m.

  My 5 year old YorkiePoo was diagnosed with diabetes several months ago. The most difficult part was getting him to eat in the morning so he can get his insulin before I leave. He needs a low-fat, high fiber diet and he doesn't like that any more than I do. He is doing really well now. He doesn't mind getting his insulin. And, somehow it seems like he knows we are taking care of him. He's always been a sweet dog, but even more so now. If you like the dog go for it!!!

  - Kim

• March 16, 2012 5:33 p.m.

  I have fostered rescue cats for many years and at one point adopted a kitten with brain damage after it had been dumped in a plastic sack. He lived a normal life apart from not having much co-ordination. When he was 10 years old he developed diabetes, from my experiance of looking after sick cats etc. this was of no bother to me to inject my cat twice daily, however, he was having blood tests every month, costing £40 plus, not to mention the cost of the insulin,needles etc. I perhaps would not have minded too much except he did not appear to be any better. This went on for about a year with "Ringo" just eating drinking and laying around listless, I felt it was unfair on him as he clearly was not enjoying his life anymore,so, I made the difficult decision to have him put to sleep, I felt arwful about it but my vet assured me I was not the first to have this done with a cat with diabetes. They thought because of his brain problem it was not accepting the insulin?! Thinking about it now, there is no-way I would ever go down this route again, not only because of the expense but more because the animals cannot tell you how they are feeling so is it really fair that we inject them with insulin everyday regardless? Perhaps you think I sound heartless, but, think we put our pets through agony sometimes just to keep them alive for our sake! Surely it is about THEIR quality of life?

  - Lynda

• March 16, 2012 1:23 p.m.

  I had a beautiful tuxedo cat named Timothy who was diagnosed with diabetes in 2000. He was on a special diet and received insulin shots twice a day. Sadly, Timothy passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2007 at the age of 16. He was a great pet with a noble spirit and I miss him very much.

  - Sandra

• March 12, 2012 11:16 a.m.

  I have an 11 yr. old doxie who is diabetic and my vet told me that dogs always have type 1. I will do anything to keep my cody healthy and alive for as long as I can. I don't think it is a "great commitment" - when you feed your dog twice a day you administer his insulin. I am sorry you did not adopt Carlie - she would have been wonderful for you.

  - mary joe

• March 11, 2012 8:47 p.m.

  why did you commit about Carlie. It made my heart hurt. I had my beautiful Ret.. put to sleep 2 yrs ago .she had dibetes.there must be something better to post before I read all your comment, I just new you would take the dog. How sad

  - stella

• March 7, 2012 8:01 p.m.

  I have a dog Charlie with Diabetis, I found out in November last year. What a commitment it is.You have to write down everything he does, poop, urinate, eat, vomit, eat, and then twice a day his insulin shots. He is always hungry and begs for my food. He is supposed to eat twice a day, his glucose in No. was about 600..... I took him yesterday and was over 300. It is not going down as fast because I feed him some of my food. Sometimes I feel I cannot take anymore, he is going blind slowly, I got him from the pound, someone never even took him out to pee in the grass, he lived inside a house or apt all his live before I got him. I think he deserves a little better treatment that he had before I got him. Right now he is no spoiled, I am the one exhausted, You have to dedicate yourself to the animal. Maybe after he gets his glucose in the right numbers between 80-120, might be better for me.He is able to eat treats from the vets office and lunch also. AND NO TABLE SCRAPS....He is a beautiful Maltese mix, he was 15 lbs, now he is 9 lbs.I do not know how old he is, maybe 8 to 10 years of age....

  - Cris

• March 7, 2012 7:49 p.m.

  I had a female miniature schnauzer that was diagnosed with diabetes at age 8. We were able to manage with twice daily insulin injections and monthly blood sugar checks. I would advise that pet owners learn to check glucose levels and check more frequently. Our little mini went into renal failure at age 10 and we were not able to reverse it. I still feel if we had kept a better eye on her glucose levels we might have been able to avoid this outcome. Also if you are considering a pet with diabetes, it is a huge commitment. Meals and injections must be on time and very little deviation from schedule is allowed. Learning everything possible about diabetes and pets is a must.

  - marianne

• March 7, 2012 4:15 p.m.

  I have a wonderful 14 year old cat, named Minou (French for Kitty). He is a sweet pet and became diabetic when I went away for Europe for 6 weeks. It took us two strenuous months and about $900 to find the right medication and dosage. He was given pills first that got him much worse: he got jaundice, stopped eating and almost died. But the caretakers at our vet did not give up and Minou started eating again. Eventually we got him the right dosage of insulin (two shots a day) and he was so well to the point of getting off the insulin for a while. He is back on insulin now and when I travel I have two dedicated friends who come and give him shots. It takes dedication and a lot of love. But our pets love us so much in return and that love has no price. Now, when I have to go away, I have to plan carefully and I also enjoy every moment I have with my cat. He is not overweight, he is loving and happy, his old self. Do not give up! Walmart/Sams club carries the cheapest insulin and syringes:-)

  - Vesna

• March 7, 2012 3:28 p.m.

  Vizsla had litter of pups,etc. She wasn't on her feed, had blood tests run, diabetic. He kept her a week, she looked terrible, down to 39 lbs. I brought my Orijen dog food in for feeding, she perked up. Vet taught me to use meter, take blood from above teeth, read it, record, the shots. Give a small treat before the test, feed Orijen AM PM, 3pm daily hard boiled egg. I keep Karo syrup in car, kitchen, bedroom, 3 seizures, you learn fast to get into mouth, beware of teeth. So do her in obedience, etc. 9 years old, watch the eyes for blindness. i have 8 dogs, learned getting an excellent vet is the key. Treats? yes, protein.

  - MARY

• February 22, 2012 6:20 p.m.

  We rescued a senior English Springer SPaniel several years ago who had skin problems. We dealt with those issues for about a year before we learned he was diabetic. After starting him on Science Diet WD and insulin twice a day, his skin problems disappeared. We had him for 6 or 7 years before his blindness, bladder control problems and other issues forced us to put him down. He was the BEST dog we have ever had and we never regretted the time and extra effort it took to care for him.

  - Linda

• February 20, 2012 4:54 p.m.

  My dog, Sparky; 7YO, was diagnosed last year. I love my Spark, but I wouldn't knowingly take on a pet with these issues. We're doing what's necessary and he seems to be reasonably healthy, but he is going blind, and injuries sometimes don't heal as quickly as they normally would. Just make sure that you know what you are getting into, because there is more to caring for a diabetic pet than shots and food. I am determined to take the best care I can of Spark but I would not recommend taking a pet already aged and sick unless you are prepare for that kind of commitment.

  - Donna

• February 5, 2012 8:10 p.m.

  Ally (Siberian Husky )is now 13 years old. She was diagnosed 2 years ago. She was very sick (DKA / diabetic ketoacidosis) and spent days in the animal hospital. She went blind from cataracts induced by the high blood sugars. We found a new Vet that helped us through the process after she came home from hospital. I an a Nurse so they let us keep her at home check sugars and adjust insulin so not hospitalized so long. We also found an awesome eye vet in Houston from Texas A&M. Ally had bilateral cataract surgery. She did well initially and then one eye developed infections and glaucoma. That eye eventually had to be removed and she now has a glass eye. It was a very long haul with eye infections, ear infections and glucose problems when she was in pain etc.. She is well regulated now. She sees great with the one eye. We feed her Science Diet W/D dry and moist.She gets snacks of protein and vegetables. NPH Insulin am/pm Walmart has the cheapest NPH insulin. Check glucose at home periodically when she seems sick. It was alot of work / money to get her to this point but now just a part of our life. We also have 2 Australian Shepherds. Hardest part was mealtime, making sure every dog ate only their food! We taught kids, friends and neighbors to give the insulin in case something comes up to help us out. She is a wonderful dog and we did not want to put her to sleep. Our Vet says with the regulation she has should live to old age

  - Patty